We’ve combined the most interesting footpaths in the Val Gardena area and the best mountain accommodation to create what must be one of the very best high-level (Alta Via), multi-day circular trekking routes you’ll find anywhere.

The mountain ranges which surround the Val Gardena offer the chance to walk through very varied terrain.

The immaculately-kept Val Gardena area is deservedly our very favourite part of the Dolomites, and hosts some of the most iconic locations for which the Dolomites are famous.

In just one week you will

• see the Odles Peaks towering above you at Seceda,

• explore the Col Raiser Basin, the Puez-Odles Parco Naturale and the Parco Naturale dello Sciliar-Catinaccio range,

• cross the spectacle of Europe’s largest high-altitude wildflower meadow – the Alpe di Siusi,

• trek around Sasso Piatto on the Friedrich August Weg, or if you’re up for the challenge, trek through the cleft that divides Sasso Piatto and Sasso Lungo.

On our Alta Via di Val Gardena hike you will walk in the mountains which surround this incredible valley, enjoying the hospitality of the Italian Dolomite’s quality mountain accommodation – some of the very finest mountain accommodation in the Alps.

The Val Gardena is one of the most spectacular areas of the Dolomites.

"If I could buy a house anywhere in the Dolomites, it would be here for its accessibility and its varied walks."

Ann Foulkes, owner of trekMountains

Before and after the trek you'll stay in our hand-picked favourite 3* family-run boutique hotel in the most delightful part of the immaculate town of Selva di Val Gardena.

If you'd prefer to stay in a 4* or 5* hotel, just let us know.

During the trek you’ll stay in carefully selected good quality mountain “rifugi”, also known as ‘huts’ or ‘inns’. Despite the name, mountain huts in the Dolomites are of a higher standard than in many other parts of the Alps. Many have private rooms for 2, 3 or 4 people as well as shared larger rooms. (We will book private rooms for all bookings of 2 or more people if they are available at no extra charge to yourself). All offer tasty and filling evening meals and hearty breakfasts to ensure you have the energy you’ll need to enjoy the next trekking day.

Trekking in the Dolomites is available from 20 June to 20 September when the mountains are usually free of snow. As well as one of the best hiking routes in the Italian Dolomites, you can also expect warm Italian summer weather, incredible wildflower meadows, spectacular sunsets and true mountain hut stays to experience - why not contact us for more information, and treat yourselves to a memorable hiking holiday? 

We have some flexibility in the level of difficulty we can offer this trip at. Typical days are 10 to 17km, with ascents and descents averaging around 600 – 800 metres per day. Our trips are staged so that groups of trekkers will comfortably arrive at their rifugio by mid-afternoon to allow time for a shower and a well-earned drink before dinner.

Total price varies according to your group size:

Self-Guided Alta Via Val Gardena (1 participant): €xxxx

Self-Guided Alta Via Val Gardena (2 or 3 participants): €xxxx

Self-Guided Alta Via Val Gardena (4 or more participants): €xxxx

Arrive in the beautiful valley of Val Gardena which is easily reached by train and bus from any of the nearest airports - Venice, Verona, and Innsbruck. Rest of the day free.

Overnight: Family-run boutique 3* hotel, Selva di Val Gardena

Travel by bus and funicular railway to the start of your circular trek. Take in the expansive views offered from the Resciesa area and see the Odles Peaks close up from the viewpoint at Seceda before descending into the large wildflower meadow of the Col Raiser Basin.

Overnight: Mountain rifugio

Meals included this day: Breakfast, Dinner

Drop down from the Col Raiser Basin to Santa Cristina, one of the 3 villages of the Val Gardena. Ascend and then traverse around Sasso Lungo.

Overnight: Mountain rifugio

Meals included this day: Breakfast, Dinner

Either take the famous ‘coffin’ lift or walk up and through the cleft between Sasso Piatto and Sasso Lungo with its steep ascent and descent. If you want an easier day, walk around Sasso Piatto on the Friedrich August Weg to one of the best rifugi in the Dolomites.

Overnight: Mountain rifugio

Meals included this day: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue your high-level journey around the Gardena Valley by moving from Sasso Piatto to the Parco Naturale dello Sciliar-Catinaccio, following part of the Via Alpina.

Stay on the rim of an old atoll at the edge of the Siciiar-Catinaccio range.

Overnight: Mountain rifugio

Meals included this day: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you will cross Europe’s largest alpage – a wildflower meadow and descend back down to Ortisei, the largest of the 3 villages in the Gardena Valley by cable car. Bus to Selva.

Overnight: Family-run boutique 3* hotel, Selva di Val Gardena

Meals included this day: Breakfast

Travel day (we can make this itinerary shorter or longer to suit your requirements).

Meals included this day: Breakfast